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HIGHLIGHTS
Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend
Dec. 2-3, times vary
For 41 years the streets of Alexandria have transformed into a salute to Scottland with the Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend, where more than 100 clans, pipe and drum bands, terriers and hounds walk the streets. On Friday, there will be a Christmas market place (all day), Taste of Scotland (7-10 p.m.) and the big guy in red will also make an appearance (1-3 p.m.) Saturday will host the parade (11 a.m.-1 p.m.) and the Holiday Designer Tour of Homes (11 a.m.- 4 p.m.). / Throughout Alexandria, www.scottishchristmaswalk.com; prices vary.
Wolf Trap’s Holiday Sing-A-Long
Dec 4 @ 4 p.m.
Kick off the holiday season with family and friends at Wolf Trap’s 2011 Holiday Sing-A-Long! This annual musical celebration hosts a performance by the United States Marine Band and a Sing-A-Long of Christmas carols and Hanukkah songs with choir and vocal groups from the metropolitan Washington area. Bring a candle and join the tradition of exiting the Filene Center with a candlelight processional during the last verse of “Silent Night.” There will also be a “Jing-A-Long” during the singing of Jingle Bells so remember to bring a candle, a bell, and a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots. Donations are strictly voluntary and not a requirement. / Wolf Trap Filene Center, 1551 Trap Road, Vienna; 703-255-1900; www.wolftrap.org; free.
‘Scrooge, The Musical’
Dec. 2 and 3, 9 and 10, times vary
Featuring over eighty local children, teens, and adults, “Scrooge, The Musical” is adapted from the classic Charles Dickens ghost story “A Christmas Carol” and set to lively music by Leslie Bricusse. Filled with crowd-pleasing songs such as “I Hate Christmas”, “Thank You Very Much”, and “December the Twenty-Fifth”, “Scrooge, The Musical” is a holiday classic the whole family can enjoy together! A $50 Wegmans gift card will be given away at every performance to one of the lucky people who brings canned goods for Loudoun Interfaith Relief (www.interfaithrelief.org). In addition, a portion of the proceeds from the performances will be donated to Loudoun Cares (www.loudouncares.org). / Belmont Ridge Middle School, 19045 Upper Belmont Place, Leesburg; www.thepickwickplayers.org; $12/adults, $10/children.
Christmas at Mount Vernon
Through Jan 6, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Holiday visitors will enjoy themed decorations (including 12 Christmas trees), a gingerbread replica of the Mansion created by former White House pastry chef Roland Mesnier, chocolate making demonstrations, and a rare opportunity to tour the third floor of the Mansion. In 1787, George Washington paid 18 shillings to bring a camel to Mount Vernon for his guests’ enjoyment. During Christmas at Mount Vernon, visitors can meet Aladdin the camel. / George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon; 703-780-2000; www.mountvernon.org; $15/adults, $7/ children ages 6-11 and free/ children five and younger.
Check out the 2011 Holiday Food & Wine Guide for delish festivities happening all season long!
See more Christmas events in your county:
A Christmas Guide to Alexandria